Detective on trial over News of the World leaks accusations

The News of the World shut down in July 2011 at the height of the phone hacking scandal. Credit: PA

The trial of a senior counter-terrorism detective accused of passing information to the News of the World is due to begin today.

Det Chief Insp April Casburn, 53, is accused of offering the now-defunct tabloid information about Operation Varec, the investigation into whether Scotland Yard's inquiry into phone hacking should be reopened.

She is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court today on one count of misconduct in public office, which she denies.